When Monday's 24-for-36 night was brought up Tuesday, Hornacek laughed and said, "There's going to be a lot of free throws being shot."

Hornacek doesn't expect players to imitate his famous face-swiping routine, but he reminds guys that getting a rhythm and routine at the line is essential.

"They have to find something that makes you comfortable at the free-throw line," he said.

Hornacek's habit included touching his cheek, bouncing the ball and a smooth stroke.

"I always did that for several reasons. One, to say hi to the kids. Two, to get a little sweat on my hands because I didn't like when my hand was dry," Hornacek said. "Also, when you envision your routine and go through it, it blocks everything else out because you're only focused on that one thing and your shot and there are no other distractions."

Focus and confidence are key, Hornacek insisted.

"I always laugh when you watch these opponents complain about the doc (behind the visitors' basket) throwing stuff up in the air. I'm like, 'Whoever sees that stuff?' " Hornacek said. "If they actually noticed that, then you know they're going to miss.

"It's just these guys getting in a rhythm, feeling confident," he added. "You've got to go up there going, 'I'm going to make this.' It's automatic. A lot of confidence."

Or a lot of free throws the next day.

FAN OF THE FANS: Seconds after Utah's gutsy 93-89 win over Portland ended Monday, an excited Greg Miller got caught up in the moment. He walked over to the P.A. microphone to deliver an impromptu message while thrilled spectators filed out of the arena.

The Jazz CEO thanked the crowd and told them, "You guys are the greatest fans in the NBA!"

Small forward Josh Howard endorses the statement.

"I agree with him as far as the best fans in the NBA," he said, "and sticking behind us no matter if we're winning or losing."

Howard thought it was pretty cool that Miller delivered the message.

"Greg is a great owner. I've been around a couple of good owners in my time, and he's one of the best," the nine-year veteran said. "For him to even get out there and take the time out to thank the fans speaks a lot about him and his character."

AGE DISPARITY: The NBA's youngest and oldest players were on the court at the same time Monday.

Utah's 19-year-old rookie, Enes Kanter (born May 20, 1992), even ripped the ball out of the aging hands of Portland's 39-year-old NBA senior citizen, Kurt Thomas (born Oct. 4, 1972).